New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS): The Centre on Sunday assured the Andhra Pradesh government of all possible support in the wake of a fire at a COVID-19 treatment facility in Vijayawada that killed seven people.

"Deeply anguished by the news of the tragic fire accident at a COVID-19 facility in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. The Centre assures all possible support to the state government. My condolences are with the affected families in this time of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.

Seven people, including two women, have so far died in the fire that broke out at a paid COVID Care Centre run from a hotel by a private hospital in the Andhra Pradesh city at around 5 a.m. on Sunday.

Around 50 persons, including 30 coronavirus patients, were reported to be present at the facility when the tragedy struck.

According to initial information, suffocation due to smoke emanating from the fire is said to have caused most casualties.